If you are an avid golfer that plays several times a week, there is a risk that you could develop joint erosion. This is a painful process that can reduce your swing, and make it difficult to function normally. However, there are steps every avid golfer can take that will help them avoid joint erosion.
Wrists
This is a very common problem area for many golfers. Your wrists are a big part of your game and if you’re not protecting them, you may find that after awhile you experience joint pain. It is vital to wear proper golf gloves that will support your wrists and help make the impact less noticeable. A good pair of golf gloves can go a long way in protecting your wrists and preventing future problems, such as joint erosion.
Shoulders
This is another problem area that can flare up suddenly in many golfers. You’ll be using your shoulders quite a bit while you play and repetitive motion can be very hard on your joints. Try to take a few days off if you notice excess strain on your shoulders and make sure that you stretch beforehand. One of the best ways to prevent joint erosion in the shoulders is to space out your playing time and to make sure that you are swinging properly. However, if you do play a lot, this may not be enough to keep your joints sound. Consider speaking with your physician about medications that can prevent joint erosion.
Hips
Since your hips are a large part of your swing, and you’ll be using them if you are walking a course, it is important to protect these joints as well. Minimize your walking time if you already are experiencing joint pain, and take advantage of a cart whenever possible. This can help reduce the overall wear and tear on your joints. Having the proper form can also have a big impact on how your hip joints wear over time.
These are just a few examples of the major joints that can be affected by erosion. While there may not be a cure-all preventative, you can minimize the damage that you are causing by taking the steps to ensure that you are swinging properly and using the right equipment to support your joints.
Sometimes, the best medicine is simply to reduce the amount of golf you play each week, or you may be able to get extra help from your physician as mentioned above. There are also supplements that will help keep your joints lubricated, to further reduce the risk of joint erosion, but once again, these should only be used under the care of a physician since they may interact with other medications.
Joint erosion is a problem that affects millions, but with care, special attention and the right equipment, you can do your part to reduce the risks that you may develop this painful condition in the future or prevent an existing condition from getting worse.
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